Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2008 | 2:03 a.m.
Since 9/11 one of the most misused words in the English language has been “hero.” Now that we’re getting into the presidential campaign, the latest word to be misused/abused on a daily basis is “elitist.”
The way the news media are handling this truly amazes me. The Republicans accuse Barack Obama of being an elitist, and the media report it as fact. Is it because of the following? One, he comes from very humble origins. Two, he got into college based on merit. Three, he owns one home. Four, his wife is from a blue-collar family. As far as I know, he doesn’t belong to a country club, or even play golf.
The Republicans and the media go on and on about John McCain and his non-elitist background. Is it because of the following? One, his father was an admiral and one of the most powerful men in the Navy. Two, he got into Annapolis pretty much as a legacy (third generation) and finished near the bottom of his class. Three, he and his wife own several homes. Four, his wife is worth at least $100 million.
So can someone really tell me what an “elitist” is, or what it means? All I know is, George Orwell must be smiling.
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